Image Forming Head Movement with Stepper Motor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming systems face difficulties in moving heads quickly and precisely between multiple image formation positions, including main and sub positions for maintenance and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An image forming system with a head moving mechanism using a stepping motor, power transmitter, and sensors, controlled by a controller to move the head along a head movement direction, adjusting velocity and step numbers based on sensor states to reach precise positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the head is moved using a conventional head moving mechanism, then the head can be positioned at image formation positions, but the movement speed and positioning precision are insufficient for quick and accurate head relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The head moving mechanism dynamically adjusts velocity based on position. The controller increases head movement velocity when the head is far from the target position and decreases velocity as it approaches, enabling both quick relocation and precise positioning. This is achieved through velocity information acquisition means and a controller that adjusts velocity based on distance to the target position.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from velocity information acquisition means and position detection to continuously adjust head movement. The controller receives feedback about current position and velocity, then modifies acceleration and velocity commands to achieve precise positioning at the target position while minimizing movement time.
2Productivity
If the head movement velocity is increased to reduce movement time, then productivity improves, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes velocity during movement based on real-time position feedback. High velocity is used during the majority of the travel distance to maximize productivity, while velocity is automatically reduced near the target position to ensure precise positioning, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The head movement occurs in distinct phases: acceleration phase, constant high-velocity phase, and deceleration phase. This periodic velocity pattern allows the system to maintain high productivity during the constant velocity phase while ensuring precision during the deceleration and positioning phase.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect head position at different locations, then positioning accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The velocity information acquisition means serves multiple functions: it detects head velocity, provides feedback for position control, and enables dynamic velocity adjustment. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate specialized sensors, thereby improving positioning accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and precise movement of the head to various image formation positions, enhancing the system's operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a stepping motor; a power transmitter which is connected to the carriage and the stepping motor and which is configured to transmit a power of the stepping motor to the carriage
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor and a second sensor each configured to sense that the head is located in the image formation area, and each configured to be in an OFF state in a case where the head is located in the escape area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
There is provided an image forming system (100) including: a head (HD); a head moving mechanism (70) including a stepping motor (704); and a controller (80) configured to: in a case where the head is moved to a first position, rotate the stepping motor until the head arrives at a first preliminary position and rotate the stepping motor by a step number S1; in a case where the head is moved to a second position, rotate the stepping motor until the head arrives at a second preliminary position and rotate the stepping motor by a step number S2; and in a case where the head is moved to a third position, rotate the stepping motor until the head arrives at a third preliminary position and rotate the stepping motor by a step number S3.